All Reflections

If you give the world the best you have, you may get kicked in the teeth but give the world the best you have anyway. Mother Teresa highlights the importance of striving to do good despite not always seeing direct results.

Blame and scapegoating of society’s problems are often placed on the working class, with the middle class ‘looking up and blaming down’ . Church Action on Poverty provide this reflection which initiates a deeper thinking about reversing this process.

We have failed to love if we have caused human suffering or if we have been indifferent to human suffering. Reflecting on the Gospel of Luke Chapter 10 – to love ones neighbour whoever they might be, this reflection calls us to serve and practise this.

When we think of development we primarily think of economic progress, but we must also need to strive towards authentic development – allowing the individual to grow into the person God intended them to be.

Faustino Reyes reflects on how man has changed from using his natural instinct to relying on technology. This has created a slash and burn method of argicultural farming, causing deforestation and the disappearance of wildlife and nature. We are called to protect the earth’s natural resources in this reflection.

Jim O’Keefe, a parish priest shares his thoughts on living simply, sustainably and in solidarity with one another. To livesimply is when we discover we are content with less, to live sustainably – realising we are sustained by God, and to live in solidarity with each other – by having a deep respect for our sisters and brothers throughout the world.

Farmers from El Salvador ask God to enrich the soil through their work, and as humble farmers they ask for strength. They also pray for God to protect them from those who are greedy, making commerce of the land, water and the earth.

Living simply allows us to be closer to God as material possessions and lavish lifestyles often prevent this, inhibiting us to help others. By practising a life of simplicity encourages people to act in selflessness, justice and charity.